(Kinky Friedman) Offbeat candidate challenges Texas

[UpInArms]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051209/NEWS07/512090454/1009

AUSTIN, Texas -- Humorist Kinky Friedman took his first formal step toward the governor's office Thursday, promising, on a bitterly cold day, to work hard at putting "a chill up the spine of every politician."

The musician-turned-mystery writer officially filed his declaration of intent to run as an independent candidate for governor.

But to get on next November's ballot, he needs to collect at least 45,540 voters' signatures -- or 1% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election -- from people next spring who don't cast ballots in any party primary or runoff.

Friedman told a few dozen supporters and reporters huddled for a brief sidewalk announcement that his real opponent was not Gov. Rick Perry, but voter apathy.

...more...

and from the Houston Chronicle:

Kinky Friedman files papers to run for governor

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3512681.html

AUSTIN — Humorist Kinky Friedman took his first formal step toward the governor's office today, promising, on a bitterly cold day, to work hard at putting "a chill up the spine of every politician."

The musician-turned-mystery writer officially filed his declaration of intent to run as an independent candidate for governor with the secretary of state.

But to get on the ballot next November, he needs to collect at least 45,540 voters' signatures — or 1 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election — from people next spring who don't cast ballots in any party primary or runoff.

<snip>

Only 29 percent of Texas' voting age population cast ballots in the 2002 gubernatorial general election.

"If we can get the 29 percent who voted last time up to 39 percent, it'll all be over, and there will be a whole new spirit blowing through Texas," he said. "There will be a smile on everybody's face and a chill up the spine of every politician."

...more...

[Skink]

1. Kinky promises to musicians in charge of the Gov't.

Willy Nelson head of the texas rangers.

[VegasWolf]

11. Yeah! They could only do better than the lawyers there now!

[acmejack]

2. I like Kinky personally, BUT not for Governor.

I will stick with Chris Bell.

[400Years]

3. Well, your not gonna get Chris Bell

[cdsilv]

5. Jimmy Buffet has pledged to campaign for Kinky.....

....Parrotheads Unite!

[MrTriumph]

4. Kinky provides distraction for MSM from Republican failures. Highest taxes

Kinky's candidacy will provide a 10 month distraction for MSM from Republican failures in state gov't.

Instead of a story on Texas having the highest property taxes in the nation they'll give us one about Kinky's off-beat humor.

Instead of a story about state cutbacks in aid for poor kids they'll give us one about Kinky's off-beat music career.

Instead of a story about failure to revise a broken school funding system they'll give us one comparing Kinky to Jessee Ventura.

Instead of a story about failed insurance reform that allows the nation's highest property insurance rates for the weakest coverage they'll give us a profile of Kinky's affinity for cigars.

[Skink]

6. It won't be a distraction if he wins.

[MrPrax]

8. Right Said...

Your right...kinda pathetic that Friedman can only view the political system as a promotional opportunity...

His musician friends should take him aside and tell him that democracy isn't a comedy routine and NOW is not the time to shamelessly degrade an already weakened institution.

As a celebrity with access and an audience, he can find many many avenues to get his points across.

[efhmc]

9. I had never given an extra brain cell over to this freak but now I hate

him. He is right up there with his buddy bush. He puts me and other hardpressed and hardworking Texas Democrats further into the hell hole of repukes. I pray he does not get on the ballot.

[Skink]

10. What about hardworking musicians.

I'm a musician and a political person and I think I could do a better job at Governing this state than the current leadership.

[efhmc]

12. Find a good Democrat and work at fund raising for him/her if you really

want to make a difference. Or find a Dem post and run for it yourself.

[Skink]

13. Kinky might have run as a Dem if he could get the nomination.

I've met him. He says the folks that brought us the Alamo weren't fighting for a 29 percent turnout. He says he is running against apathy and nothing else.

[MrTriumph]

16. Why isn't Kinky talking about Rep. failures? Cause he's a self-promoter.

Yet to see tax reform, school finance, corruption in hugh places, insurance regulation or any other hot topics as the focus of his campaign.

It's all about Kinky: his music, his books, his cigars, his life.

[buff2]

7. That guy is a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

He will be a distraction from the real issues and the repukes will "win" again. What a shame.

[400Years]

14. You are really fooling yourself if you think Chris Bell has a chance

[Voltaire99]

15. "Only 29 percent cast ballots in 2002"

Wow. If that isn't a sad measure of what US "democracy" has become, what is?